OK, not sure what's going on with my reply postings. Also, the site's running very slowly and at one point I had to reboot because BYC froze.
On another note, my big cuckoo marans cockerel attacked me 4 times today, first from behind, then three times facing me, aggressively, and ripped my leg. He finally stopped and I got him to back up, but he was still confrontational. Couldn’t do much more than that because my leg was bleeding through my sweats and I didn’t want to start a riot.
I have 10 pullets and 3 cockerels, all about 5 months old. I’d already decided to re-home the 2 silkie boys based on the boy:girl ratio (silkies were supposed to be girls) but had intended on keeping Rocky (‘the wonder rooster’ – not so much right now). They’re all in the coop, which is 8’X10’X5.5’ tall with lots of roosts (their run is still not secure). Rocky attacked me the first time a few days ago, but after he came at me twice I got him to stop and backed him up around the coop. I thought he attacked because I was wearing red - now, not so sure. He’s also gotten much more aggressive towards the girls, trying very hard to mount and is yanking on their combs, and yesterday I found a pullet with her comb partially ripped. The girls are pinking up but aren’t laying and aren’t ready for mounting.
Hormones, being cooped up, pecking order – could be contributing factors, but he just seemed really angry. He used to be calm and stay out of my way, but his whole demeanor changed from one week to the next. Is this aggression or just a hormonal cockerel? After I put him in his place the first time, I wouldn’t have expected him to be more aggressive, and given he’s only 5 months old the aggression seems excessive. I've read about what to do with an aggressive cockerel / rooster but have never had to do it. Would love to get your thoughts / suggestions / advice –
On another note, my big cuckoo marans cockerel attacked me 4 times today, first from behind, then three times facing me, aggressively, and ripped my leg. He finally stopped and I got him to back up, but he was still confrontational. Couldn’t do much more than that because my leg was bleeding through my sweats and I didn’t want to start a riot.
I have 10 pullets and 3 cockerels, all about 5 months old. I’d already decided to re-home the 2 silkie boys based on the boy:girl ratio (silkies were supposed to be girls) but had intended on keeping Rocky (‘the wonder rooster’ – not so much right now). They’re all in the coop, which is 8’X10’X5.5’ tall with lots of roosts (their run is still not secure). Rocky attacked me the first time a few days ago, but after he came at me twice I got him to stop and backed him up around the coop. I thought he attacked because I was wearing red - now, not so sure. He’s also gotten much more aggressive towards the girls, trying very hard to mount and is yanking on their combs, and yesterday I found a pullet with her comb partially ripped. The girls are pinking up but aren’t laying and aren’t ready for mounting.
Hormones, being cooped up, pecking order – could be contributing factors, but he just seemed really angry. He used to be calm and stay out of my way, but his whole demeanor changed from one week to the next. Is this aggression or just a hormonal cockerel? After I put him in his place the first time, I wouldn’t have expected him to be more aggressive, and given he’s only 5 months old the aggression seems excessive. I've read about what to do with an aggressive cockerel / rooster but have never had to do it. Would love to get your thoughts / suggestions / advice –
And all its gonna cost me is time and some duck eggs!! 
Gotta love it when your neighbor goes to the mountains and need someone to watch the house and tells you to feel free to live on the computer! 
